NATIONAL ELECTION RETURNS : EDITION-TIME COMPILATIONS : State-by-State Election Reports of Key Races and Issues : Texas
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AUSTIN — Former Gov. Bill Clements won the gubernatorial race, 54% to 46%, avenging a 1982 loss to incumbent Democrat Mark White.
The main campaign issue was the state’s worsening economy, brought on by plummeting oil prices that have pushed the unemployment rate to 9%, two points above the national level.
Democratic Rep. Jim Wright of Fort Worth, in line to become the next Speaker of the House, won easy reelection to the seat he has held since 1954.
Democrats won 16 other House seats, and Republicans took 10.
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